Israel War of Independence:
The Second Truce

(July 18, 1948)

The second truce went into effect on 18 July at
exactly 1900 hours. As in the first truce, violations from both sides
were being made already on the day of its commencement. The Arab
Legion, for example intensified its bombardment of the New City and
continued to do so well into the months of July, August, September
and October.

The city of Jerusalem suffered extensive damage as a
result of the shelling, mortaring and machine-gun fire it fell victim
to almost nightly. On 12 August, the Legion demolished the Latrun
pumping station, despite the fact that it was under UN control. In
response, Israel speedily laid a pipeline along the Burma Road which
served to keep Jerusalem supplied with water. The attacks stopped
only on November 30, when both sides agreed to a "sincere
cease-fire."